Integrated putting training and green speed measuring apparatus and method of use thereof

ABSTRACT

An integrated stimp-putt meter for use with a golf ball, putter and distance measure, for assessing golf ball speed along a given path is provided. The stimp-putt meter comprises: at least two transmitter/receiver pairs, for transmission and reception of an electromagnetic beam; a microcontroller in electronic communication with the transmitter/receiver pairs; a display in electronic communication with the microcontroller; and a housing. The transmitter/receiver pairs are located along a given path, and the transmitter and receiver of each pair are separated by a predetermined distance sufficient for a golf ball to pass through and positioned such that each beam is interrupted by the passage of a golf ball.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/691,639, entitled INTEGRATED PUTTING TRAINING AND GREEN SPEED MEASURING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF, filed Jun. 17, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for golfers to practice putting and to assess the speed of a green. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method of using the apparatus that allows golfers to practice control of putting distance on a variety of surfaces as well as allowing for the determination of the speed of a green.

BACKGROUND

In order to improve putting performance, golfers need to improve both aim and distance control. The distance a ball travels is, of course, controlled both by the golfer, and the green speed. When practicing indoors golfers will normally be putting on surfaces that have completely different speeds than found on golf greens. The golfer therefore cannot accurately practice distance control on such surfaces.

Several putting training devices have been patented that relate to practicing distance control. Some assess the movement of the putter club head in the absence of a target. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,788,583 discloses the use of optical sensors to determine the speed of the putter club head. This value is then used to determine the distance a ball would have rolled had it been struck. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,180,270 uses sensors to determine the speed and orientation of the putter club head during the stroke. As putter club heads come in a range of different masses a given club head speed does not translate directly to a given ball roll distance.

Other devices have been developed that are supposed to indicate the distance that a golf ball would roll on a real green. U.S. Pat. No. 6,146,283 discloses a device where the golfer strikes a putting target that is free to rotate about an axis. The force that the putter strikes the target is measured and this value along with the input stimpmeter reading is used to calculate the distance that the ball would have traveled. While this device can readily be used in locations such as an office or at home, and is readily portable, it suffers from the fact that is does not provide the look and feel obtained with putting a real golf ball. Consequently, whereas a ball can bounce and spin differently when struck by a club head, for example, the device of U.S. Pat. No. 6,146,283 does not account for this.

Both the green speed and the interaction between the club and the ball are taken into consideration in U.S. Pat. No. 5,586,941. Disclosed is the use of an inclined track of length 6 to 7 feet that can be adjusted for height to simulate various golf distances. Further, the surface of the track can be altered to simulate putting on a dry and a wet green. The golfer putts a golf ball down the track and determines the distance that the ball travels. This device is relatively bulky and is not very accurate in that it does not allow for the range of various green speeds found on real golf courses.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,872,687 uses photogates to determine the ball speed and allows the user to input stimpmeter reading. However, as the device has the user putting the ball from an attached flexible surface and the ball is stopped at the back of the unit, the device cannot be used by the golfer to determine green speed on various greens of interest and then practice using those settings.

Knowledge of the green speed is crucial with any training device if golfers are to be able to practice distance control when putting. The stimpmeter, invented in 1937 by Mr. Edward Stimpson, is the standard instrument used in determining green speed.

The stimpmeter is a long V-shaped aluminum bar with a notch at one end. The bar is laid flat on the ground with a ball placed in the notch. The stimpmeter is then raised and when it reaches an angle of 20° the ball rolls out of the notch and down the trough and onto the putting surface. The distance the ball rolls is referred to as the stimpmeter reading of the green. This value can range from 5 feet for a very slow green to 12 feet for a very fast green.

The design of the stimpmeter often produces a number of inaccuracies in green-speed measurement. The release height of a golf ball placed in the notch in the V-shaped channel depends upon the dimple configuration and exact placement position of the golf ball relative to the edge of the notch. This causes errors in the initial speed of release of balls onto the green surface, which in turn, cause direct errors in green-speed measurements. Operator error, such as lifting or raising the bar in a jerky motion or not holding the bar steady as the ball rolls during a test may also cause a relatively large variation in roll distance. Further, because balls impact the green surface at the lower end of the stimpmeter at a 20-degree angle, they may bounce, thereby creating further variables in roll distance.

A number of approaches have been developed to overcome the deficiencies in the stimpmeter. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,749,527 discloses a collapsible, portable green-speed meter that differs from the original stimpmeter in that it is more stable. The angle is about 30 degrees incline for the ball route while the original stimpmeter is 20 degrees. This apparatus would be fraught with all the deficiencies noted above, with the exception that it is portable and arguably more stable.

The green-speed measuring apparatus of U.S. Pat. No. 6,860,139 includes a three-track ramp for rolling three golf balls along parallel, but distinct tracks over the surface of a green being tested. The ramp is raised above the putting surface to a precise 20.2-degree angle relative to the local horizontal using a preconfigured angled level-vial and an adjustable-length leg structure that mechanically supports the upper start end of the ramp at a fixed position. The local horizontal is defined as a plane perpendicular to the local gravitational vertical vector. Each golf ball sits in a radiused rolling groove against a radiused ball stop and is held in a pre-release starting position by a release trigger holding plate, which is also radiused to hold golf balls in a repeatable position, regardless of ball surface dimple location or size. The ramp has three ball-radiused rolling grooves that reduce golf ball chatter when a dimpled surface ball rolls down the grooves. The end of the ramp is curved in order to release golf balls horizontally so as to be essentially parallel to the putting green surface thereby minimizing or totally eliminating ball bounce as the ball impacts the surface of the green. This apparatus does overcome some of the deficiencies noted in the original stimpmeter, but it is relatively bulky.

Regardless of the stimpmeter design, stimpmeters only provide information on green speed. They are not used to determine putting performance.

There is a need for a compact integrated device that will allow golfers to practice control of putting distance on any surface and that can accurately assess green speed. It is an object of the present invention to overcome the deficiencies in the prior art.

SUMMARY

In one disclosed embodiment, an integrated stimp-putt meter for use with a golf ball, putter and distance measure, for assessing golf ball speed along a given path is provided. The stimp-putt meter comprises: at least two transmitter/receiver pairs, for transmission and reception of an electromagnetic beam; a microcontroller in electronic communication with the transmitter/receiver pairs; a display in electronic communication with the microcontroller; and a housing. The transmitter/receiver pairs are located along a given path, and the transmitter and receiver of each pair are separated by a predetermined distance sufficient for a golf ball to pass through and positioned such that the beam is interrupted by the passage of a golf ball.

In another aspect, the transmitter/receiver pairs are photo transmitters/sensors.

In another aspect, the microcontroller comprises a calculator to calculate golf ball speed and projected ball roll distance.

In another aspect, the housing comprises a top and two sides.

In another aspect, the transmitter/receiver pairs are approximately 6 inches apart along a given path.

In another aspect, the integrated stimp-putt meter further comprises a set of switches, and the switches are in communication with the microcontroller and the display, to permit switching from one mode to another mode.

In another aspect, the mode is a calculation and display of a projected ball roll distance mode.

In another aspect, the mode is a green speed selection mode, to permit preselection of a stimpmeter reading of a green.

In another aspect, the mode is a floor speed selection mode, to permit preselection of a stimpmeter reading of a surface.

In another aspect, the mode is a preselected hole distance mode.

In another embodiment, a method of determining a stimpmeter reading of a given surface is provided. The method comprises:

-   -   propelling a golf ball through a series of at least two pairs of         electromagnetic radiation transmitter/receivers aligned along a         given path;     -   calculating the speed of the golf ball based on the difference         in time between the interruption of one beam and the         interruption of at least one other beam;     -   calculating a projected ball roll distance;     -   measuring an actual ball roll distance;     -   calculating a stimpmeter reading for the given surface; and     -   displaying the stimpmeter reading for the given surface.

In another aspect of the method, the transmitter/receiver pairs are photo transmitters/sensors.

In another aspect of the method, the transmitter/receiver pairs are approximately 6 inches apart along a given path.

In another aspect, the method further comprises switching a microcontroller from one mode to another mode.

In another aspect of the method, the mode is a calculation and display of projected ball roll distance mode.

In another aspect of the method, the mode is a green speed selection mode, to permit preselection of a stimpmeter reading of a green.

In another aspect of the method, the mode is a floor speed selection mode, to permit preselection of a stimpmeter reading of a surface.

In another aspect of the method, the mode is a preselected hole distance mode.

In another embodiment, a method of practicing putting for a selected green is provided. The method comprises:

-   -   propelling a golf ball through a series of at least two pairs of         electromagnetic radiation transmitter/receivers aligned along a         given path on a selected green;     -   measuring the speed of the golf ball based on the difference in         time between the interruption of one beam and the interruption         of at least one other beam;     -   calculating a projected ball roll distance;     -   measuring an actual ball roll distance;     -   calculating a stimpmeter reading for the selected green;     -   displaying the stimpmeter reading for the selected green;     -   moving to a selected surface;     -   putting a golf ball through a series of at least two pairs of         electromagnetic radiation transmitter/receivers aligned along a         given path on the selected surface;     -   measuring the speed of the golf ball on the selected surface         based on the difference in time between the interruption of one         beam and the interruption of at least one other beam;     -   calculating a first stimpmeter reading for the selected surface;     -   displaying the first stimpmeter reading for the selected         surface;     -   putting a golf ball through the series of at least two pairs of         electromagnetic radiation transmitter/receivers aligned along a         given path on the selected surface;     -   measuring the speed of the golf ball on the selected surface         based on the difference in time between the interruption of one         beam and the interruption of at least one other beam;     -   calculating a second stimpmeter reading for the selected         surface;     -   displaying the second stimpmeter reading for the selected         surface;     -   comparing at least one of the first and second stimpmeter         readings for the selected surface with the stimpmeter reading         for the selected green;     -   determining the distance that the golf ball would have traveled         on the selected green; and     -   displaying the distance that the golf ball would have traveled         on the selected green.

In another aspect of the method, an integrated stimp-putt meter of an embodiment of the invention is employed.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the stimp-putt meter in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, shown with the electronic controls removed for clarity.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the stimp-putt meter of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the stimp-putt meter of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the stimp-putt meter similar to FIG. 1, but showing the electronic controls mounted on the upper surface of the meter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A stimp-putt meter, generally referred to as 12 is shown in FIG. 1. The stimp-putt meter 12 has two open-bottomed sides 14, and a top 15. Two pairs of photo-sensor transmitter/receivers, a first transmitter/receiver pair 16 and a second transmitter/receiver pair 18 are positioned 6 inches apart on the sides 14 and at a level that allows a passing ball to intercept the beams. The user stands a predetermined distance, for example 3 feet, in front of the stimp-putt meter 12 and putts a golf ball G between the open-bottom sides 14 of the stimp-putt meter 12. The output voltage of the two transmitter/receivers 16, 18 is fed to a microcontroller 20. The microcontroller 20 monitors the voltage and when it changes by a set level at the first transmitter/receiver 16 it measures the time until the voltage changes by a set level at the second transmitter/receiver 18. From this time delay the microcontroller 20 can calculate the ball speed and can determine the distance that the ball G would have rolled on a real green of given stimpmeter setting. This value can then be visually displayed on a display module 22.

The stimp-putt meter 12 can be used on any surface. As the ball rolls through the stimp-putt meter 12 users are allowed to use any target they wish or simply place a towel or cushion in the way to stop the ball. The stimp-putt meter 12 will also allow the user to simultaneously use one of the many track devices on the market that train the putting stroke.

In particular embodiments, the stimp-putt meter 12 has 5 modes. The first or calibration mode allows a golfer to determine the stimpmeter reading of a green or a surface such as a floor. The golfer stands a set distance in front of the stimp-putt meter 12 and putts the ball through the stimp-putt meter 12. The actual distance that the ball travels is measured then the user finds the displayed distance that is closest to the actual distance by pressing an up button 24 or a down button 26. The user then switches, by means of a mode button 28, to floor mode and the stimpmeter reading of the surface is displayed. Not only does this allow the user to assess green speed, it allows the golfer to calibrate the stimp-putt meter 12 accurately to match the local golf course greens, when used on a floor in the home or at the office. The stimp-putt meter 12 allows the golfer to practice putts of up to many feet in length over a range of green speeds.

The second or green mode allows the golfer to input by means of an up button 24 or a down button 26 the speed of the green that they want to practice on. The green speed is input as a stimpmeter reading, the traditional way of specifying green speed. For a typical golf course the stimpmeter reading of the greens range from 5 ft to 12 ft with values normally given to the nearest ½ foot.

The third or floor mode is for the user to input by means of an up button 24 or a down button 26 the speed of the floor the stimp-putt meter 12 is being used on. Again this is input as a stimpmeter reading. This compensates for the distance that the ball travels before passing through the stimp-putt meter 12.

After the green speed and floor setting have been input the user switches the stimp-putt meter 12 to the fourth or distance mode. The golfer then stands the set distance in front of the stimp-putt meter 12 and putts the ball through the stimp-putt meter. The stimp-putt meter 12 then compares the stimpmeter reading of the floor (or other surface on which the stimp-putt meter 12 is being used) with the stimpmeter reading of a green and determines the distance the ball would have traveled on the green. The distance the ball would have traveled on the green of the set stimpmeter reading can be displayed on display module 22. With the stimp-putt meter 12 a golfer can practice putts over a wide range of distances, and at least up to 99′ in length over a wide range of green speeds.

The user can use the stimp-putt meter 12 in basic distance mode and practice putts of any distance or can select the fifth or challenge mode. In this mode the stimp-putt meter 12 displays a series of hole distances and the number of successive putts required. The user then tries to putt the required number of successive putts the given distance within a certain tolerance. If successful the device subsequently displays different hole distances and the user then attempts these putts. The user can change the number of successive putts required by means of an up button 24 or a down button 26.

In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the disclosed invention may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only preferred examples of the invention and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined by the following claims. We therefore claim as our invention all that comes within the scope and spirit of these claims. 

1. An integrated stimp-putt meter for use with a golf ball, putter and distance measure, for assessing golf ball speed along a given path, said stimp-putt meter comprising: at least two transmitter/receiver pairs, for transmission and reception of an electromagnetic beam, said pairs located along a given path, the transmitter and receiver of each pair separated by a predetermined distance sufficient for a golf ball to pass through and positioned such that said beam of each pair is interrupted by the passage of the golf ball; a microcontroller in electronic communication with said transmitter/receiver pairs; a display in electronic communication with said microcontroller; and a housing.
 2. The integrated stimp-putt meter of claim 1 wherein said transmitter/receiver pairs are photo transmitters/sensors.
 3. The integrated stimp-putt meter of claim 2 wherein said microcontroller comprises a calculator to calculate golf ball speed and projected ball roll distance.
 4. The integrated stimp-putt meter of claim 3 wherein said housing comprises a top and two sides.
 5. The integrated stimp-putt meter of claim 4 wherein said transmitter/receiver pairs are approximately 6 inches apart along the given path.
 6. The integrated stimp-putt meter of claim 5 further comprising a set of switches, said switches in communication with said microcontroller and said display, to permit switching from one mode to another mode.
 7. The integrated stimp-putt meter of claim 6 wherein one of said modes is a calculation and display of a projected ball roll distance mode.
 8. The integrated stimp-putt meter of claim 7, wherein one of said modes is a green speed selection mode, to permit preselection of a stimpmeter reading of a green.
 9. The integrated stimp-putt meter of claim 7, wherein one of said modes is a floor speed selection mode, to permit preselection of a stimpmeter reading of a surface.
 10. The integrated stimp-putt meter of claim 7, wherein one of said modes is a preselected hole distance mode.
 11. A method of determining a stimpmeter reading of a given surface, said method comprising: propelling a golf ball through a series of at least two pairs of electromagnetic radiation transmitter/receivers aligned along a given path; calculating the speed of said golf ball based on the difference in time between the interruption of one beam and the interruption of at least one other beam; calculating a projected ball roll distance; measuring an actual ball roll distance; calculating a stimpmeter reading for the given surface; and displaying said stimpmeter reading for the given surface.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein said transmitter/receiver pairs are photo transmitters/sensors.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein said transmitter/receiver pairs are approximately 6 inches apart along the given path.
 14. The method of claim 12 further comprising switching a microcontroller from one mode to another mode.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein one of said modes is a calculation and display of projected ball roll distance mode.
 16. The method of claim 14 wherein one of said modes is a green speed selection mode, to permit preselection of a stimpmeter reading of a green.
 17. The method of claim 14 wherein one of said modes is a floor speed selection mode, to permit preselection of a stimpmeter reading of a surface.
 18. The method of claim 14 wherein one of said modes is a preselected hole distance mode.
 19. A method of practicing putting for a selected green, said method comprising: propelling a golf ball through a series of at least two pairs of electromagnetic radiation transmitter/receivers aligned along a given path on a selected green; measuring the speed of said golf ball based on the difference in time between the interruption of one beam and the interruption of at least one other beam; calculating a projected ball roll distance; measuring an actual ball roll distance; calculating a stimpmeter reading for the selected green; displaying said stimpmeter reading for the selected green; moving to a selected surface; putting a golf ball through a series of at least two pairs of electromagnetic radiation transmitter/receivers aligned along a given path on the selected surface; measuring the speed of the golf ball on the selected surface based on the difference in time between the interruption of one beam and the interruption of at least one other beam; calculating a first stimpmeter reading for the selected surface; displaying the first stimpmeter reading for the selected surface; putting a golf ball through the series of at least two pairs of electromagnetic radiation transmitter/receivers aligned along a given path on the selected surface; measuring the speed of the golf ball based on the selected surface on the difference in time between the interruption of one beam and the interruption of at least one other beam; calculating a second stimpmeter reading for the selected surface; displaying the second stimpmeter reading for the selected surface; comparing at least one of the first and second stimpmeter readings for the selected surface with the stimpmeter reading for the selected green; determining the distance that the golf ball would have traveled on the selected green; and displaying the distance that the golf ball would have traveled on the selected green.
 20. The method of claim 16 wherein the integrated stimp-putt meter of claim 1 is employed. 